Waukesha, Wis. – More than 130 animals from Texas are arriving today at the Crites Field airport in Waukesha as part of a lifesaving effort to find new homes for the 91 dogs and 41 cats.

Originally from an overcrowded shelter in Texas, the animals first made a journey to the Humane Society of Tulsa in Oklahoma where they were vaccinated, behaviorally assessed, tested for heartworm disease, and quarantined before the flight.

Today, they’re boarding a cargo plane headed to Wisconsin, accompanied by two pilots and a Wisconsin Humane Society staff member.

The animals will be welcomed by the Wisconsin Humane Society, Elmbrook Humane Society, Shawano County Humane Society, Marshfield Area Pet Shelter, Eau Claire County Humane Association, Humane Society of Jefferson County, South Wood County Humane Society, Coulee Region Humane Society, Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin, and Lakeshore Humane Society.

The flight is sponsored by the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which has been working to help pets in underserved areas of rural Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, by providing resources to communities and transport of homeless pets to partners throughout the country. BISSELL Pet Foundation is focused in this area as disaster season draws near, making room for animals that may be impacted by storms.

“We’re so grateful to all the shelters participating in this massive effort, the BISSELL Pet Foundation, as well as the community that supports this lifesaving work” said Angela Speed, vice president of communications at the Wisconsin Humane Society. “We should all be proud that Wisconsin is truly a beacon of hope for animals in need, and it’s an honor to work with our partners to make these second chances happen.”

The dogs will become available for adoption over the coming days at the shelters participating in the transfer. The 41 cats will be available at the Wisconsin Humane Society’s locations. For more information and updates, please visit the shelters’ websites or social media pages.

Source: Wiscone Humane Society